Law firm enters HR software market

Law firm Eversheds has moved into the HR software market with the first
rental product as part of its drive to provide a one-stop shop for the
profession.

A new company, Eversheds Software, is offering a suite of simple software
applications which can be used in isolation or alongside others already in use.

Managing director Charles May says that for the first time HR departments
have a choice between investing in big budget systems or renting the Eversheds
package, which does not tie them in for years.

The cost, for eight users, for example, would be 69p per employee per month.

The software includes modules for personnel, an SMP calculator, time &
attendance, payroll and shopfloor data collection, plus 11 other products.

"We have listened to what HR professionals have been telling us and
this initiative has been driven by demand," said May.

"Our concept is different in that you only pay for what you really
require. It is flexible for any size and shape of organisation and the rental
arrangement gives you flexibility. We are taking away the risk because you are
not locked in."

The software is available to everyone and not just Eversheds clients. This
move by Eversheds is seen as part of an increasing trend towards
diversification by suppliers to the HR profession. The law firm is intent on
building stronger relationships in the personnel market and sees software as
another means to this end.